Lubbock Police said an officer fired two shots during a situation at about 11:45 Thursday night near a convenience store at Frankford Avenue and 34th Street.
Two police officers were talking to a driver after seeing the car go through a local hotel parking lot. Officers were investigating the issue of vehicle burglaries.
The driver got out to talk to officers. The passenger did not.
But when one officer tried to talk to the passenger the trouble began according to Police Chief Greg Stevens.
“The passenger wouldn’t roll his window down all the way,” Stevens said. “The passenger had no identification.”
“The officer attempted to have the passenger step out of the vehicle,” Stevens said. “Rather than step out of the vehicle, the passenger climbed over very quickly into the driver side of the vehicle.”
The passenger then started to drive away.
“The officer quickly stepped forward – fired two rounds into the front-right tire,” Stevens said.
Two officers got into their squad cars and tried to chase.
Stevens said, “Unfortunately it got a long head start and they were unable to locate the vehicle.”
The original driver of the car was likely not involved, except that he agreed to give the passenger a ride in exchange for a fee.
The passenger, who is now accused of stealing the car, was described as a Hispanic male, between 30 and 35 years of age, and between 180 and 229 pounds. He was also described as 5’7” – 5’11” tall.
The car was a 2013 grey 4-door Toyota Camry. Anyone who can help locate the suspect or the car is asked to call Crime Line at 806-741-1000.
